<p>I have made the decision to study abroad and I know for sure that I would like to go to spain so that I may improve my spanish skills. However I am having a tough time deciding on Madrid or Barcelona, any input would be greatly appreciated. I would be abroad for an entire semester, of course I do have the option of going to both. but I would just like to know what it is like at either city if you have any experience.</p>
<p>If it's improving your Spanish skills then Madrid. They speak Catalan in Barcelona and while that would be fun to learn, if your priority is improving your Spanish then you'd get more opportunity in Madrid.</p>
<p>I was under the impression that all of Spain spoke one dialect? Did you stay in Madrid?</p>
<p>No - not all of Spain speaks the same language and it's a highly politicised issue in some areas so well worth finding out a little about before you go there.</p>
<p>So to learn the most widely used formal Spanish I should look to Madrid?</p>